Audio over Cat 5

[radiorob2.0]

I have a project on the table that will feed audio from one part of a facility to another, it would be a long run but under 100 meters. Considering it will be balanced audio and isolation transformers on standby is there any reason not to use Cat 5?

 

[SirRoxalot]

They do make baluns for sending both audio and video over Cat5 cable. Here's an example:

http://www.smarthome.com/7821DS/Dual-Stereo-Audio-Balun/p.aspx

 

[OttoM]

For balanced audio you can employ the Studiohub system: http://www.studiohub.com/

 

[radiorob2.0]

I appreciate the suggestions but it will already be balanced audio so it should travel well down the balanced twisted pair. The only concern would be impedance but my research so far says I should be fine. I forgot about Studiohub, that might come in handy for a future studio project.

 

[SirRoxalot]

Just an aside...

The "Smarthome" balun is just an example. There are dozens of similar products out there that make it easy to plug audio into Cat5, but are MUCH less expensive.

 

[joep]

I have a project on the table that will feed audio from one part of a facility to another, it would be a long run but under 100 meters. Considering it will be balanced audio and isolation transformers on standby is there any reason not to use Cat 5?

Rob,

I've found CAT 5 to be an excellent cable choice for long balanced audio runs. Not sure why one would want/need a balun with most professional equipment at AF, but oh well. It has natural crosstalk / EMI rejection because it uses twisted pairs -- I've used it in very high RF environments with no ill effects whatsoever.

It's not the nicest cable to work with, of course.... but you already knew that. Solid conductors make it a poor choice to terminiate into most connectors, however if you terminate each end with 66 or Krone blocks, you'll be real happy with the performance. You'll be happy with the price, too!

 

[ChiefOperator]

Cat 5e is an excellent choice for balanced audio. It has low impedendance for the digital world, specs that make it ideal for analog. Steve Lampen, the cable guru for Belden, recommends cat 5e and has highly suggested it for studio wiring. I've read many of his articles and attended his seminar where he suggested cat 5e for audio.

http://www.belden.com/pdfs/Techpprs/ndac5ctp.htm

By-the-way, if anyone is looking for a good read on cable, I highly recommend Lampen's easy-to-read book "Audio/Video Cable Installers Guide." It thoroughly explains cable theory and applications.

http://www.bookpool.com/sm/0071386211


Good luck!

 

[oldiesstation]

http://discountcablesusa.com/ethernet-cables.html

good reading here as well.

 

[PTBoardOp94]

Interesting reading. I've always been told that Cat5 is bad for audio wiring. I guess it has its applications for shorter runs.

 

[TomT]

Depending on where this is going--and what will be feeding/receiving the audio, you may want to look for some 111c"s or similar good transformers to hang on one end for isolation. Not the CAT-5, but environment--we have a run or around 100 feet between on-air console--Auditronics 2500, and adjacent transmitter shack. All shielded cable, (Belden 8451 or equiv.); part of the way underground between buildings. Would loose the output chips in the Auditronics after lightning storms until we isolated console from line with a pair of WE 111C transformers. Ended problem.

 

[dtube1]

I work for a college and use the all-but-abandoned copper plant to move audio around campus. I have a send/return run to our football pressbox that is about 2800' one-way. I can loop that back and still have virtually flat audio 30hz-15k roundtrip with a noise floor at -60dB. I buy Jensen JT-112's by the dozen and use them on either end of my dry-pairs. My terms are on 110 blocks and RJ45 patchbays. CAT5e is low impedence, has a uniform twist, and is easily punched-down. That makes it perfect for audio in my book.
-D

 

[Rock 100.7]

I'll agree. Cat 5-6 is great for audio runs.

 

[RolfTaylor]

Interesting reading. I've always been told that Cat5 is bad for audio wiring. I guess it has its applications for shorter runs.

It is horrible for unbalanced connections. For balanced it is excellent.

As noted, the fact it is solid copper does introduce some issues, but nothing unsolvable.

In addition to punch blocks you can terminate it with 8 position 8 pin miniature jacks ("RJ-45 style" patchbay) and then used stranded cable for your jumpers and leads.

 

[Chuck]

Interesting reading. I've always been told that Cat5 is bad for audio wiring. I guess it has its applications for shorter runs.

It is horrible for unbalanced connections. For balanced it is excellent.

As noted, the fact it is solid copper does introduce some issues, but nothing unsolvable.

In addition to punch blocks you can terminate it with 8 position 8 pin miniature jacks ("RJ-45 style" patchbay) and then used stranded cable for your jumpers and leads.

ANY unshielded cable is horrible for unbalanced situations, but for balanced audio, CAT-5 works just fine. In fact, it works well for lots of purposes. With appropriate Baluns, it passes video, works fine for telephone, can be used for security system applications, and also passes audio. If course, DC goes through it just fine as well. If you are in doubt about what to install, run a bunch of CAT-5. You won't be sorry.